85416 - Communications Officer (Law Commission)
The Law Commission is recruiting permanently for an HEO/Band C and Communications Officer. This campaign is being run externally and so is open to all who consider themselves suitable for the roles and meet the eligibility criteria in the wider advert within Civil Service Jobs.
As a pivotal member of our dynamic team, you will report directly to the Head of Communications, playing a crucial role in shaping our communications strategy to advance the Law Commission's corporate objectives. Your contributions will actively engage the public with our law reform projects, making a lasting impact on our vital work.
This role is a fantastic opportunity for a communication professional eager to expand their skill set and experience. You'll be immersed in meaningful work, gaining exposure to critical projects and making a tangible difference in your career journey.
The successful candidate will thrive in an autonomous environment, taking the lead on projects that involve managing diverse deadlines and collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders. Your ability to convey complex technical and legal information in an accessible manner to a wide audience will be a valued asset in this dynamic role.
Location
Successful candidates will be based at 102 Petty France, London SW1H 9AG.
In order for the Law Commission to meet its evolving business needs all Law Commission staff are expected to attend their base location (102 Petty France) at least 2 days a week. This hybrid working arrangement is not contractual and as a result staff could be asked to attend their base location more frequently.
Ways of Working
At the Law Commission we believe and promote alternative ways of working, these roles are available as:
- Full-time, part-time or the option to job share
- Flexible working patterns
- Flexible working arrangements between base locations, MoJ Hubs and home.
If we receive applications from more suitable candidates than we have vacancies for at this time, we may hold suitable applicants on a reserve list for 12 months, and future vacancies requiring the same skills and experience could be offered to candidates on the reserve list without a new competition.
We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce and pride ourselves as being an employer of choice. To find out more about how we champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity
Salary
New entrants to the Civil Service will be expected to join on the minimum of the pay range.
If you are already a civil servant and are successful in an external recruitment competition for a role with us, your starting pay will be the better of:
- promotion terms or transfer terms, as appropriate; or
- pay on appointment arrangements (minimum of pay range)
About The Law Commission
The Law Commission is the statutory body set up under the Law Commissions Act 1965 to keep the law of England and Wales under review and to recommend reform where it is needed. It operates as an independent non-departmental body sponsored by the Ministry of Justice.
The Commission’s aims are:
- To ensure that the law is as fair, modern, simple and as cost-effective as possible.
- To conduct research and consultations in order to make recommendations for reform for consideration by Parliament.
- To codify the law, eliminate anomalies, repeal obsolete and unnecessary enactments and reduce the number of separate statutes.
From driverless cars to surrogacy laws, we look at areas that are causing problems for people or businesses and make recommendations for reform where needed. Over the past half century, more than two-thirds of our recommendations have been implemented in whole or in part.
We are seeking a new Communications Officer to support the wide-ranging communications function at the Law Commission
This is great opportunity to gain experience across all communications disciplines.
Communications Officer: the role
We are looking for an individual who brings enthusiasm, reliability, and the ability to deliver high-quality work, even within tight deadlines. The ideal candidate will possess excellent relationship management skills, collaborating effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders to co-create engaging content and drive successful projects.
You will be a talented, motivated, collaborative and creative communications professional who is keen to be a leading member of the team and join us in creating an environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated.
Join our welcoming team where we value diverse perspectives, and contribute your flair for innovative communications that resonate with both our staff and stakeholders.
The post holder will report to the Head of Communications and will play a key role in the development of communications output that helps the Commission meet its corporate objectives and ensure that the public are engaging with our law reform projects.
The role would be ideal for someone with a communications background looking to broaden their skills and experience to make an impact and build their experience and skill set by being involved in critical work.
The successful candidate will be expected to work on their own initiative on projects which may involve managing competing deadlines and coordinating with internal teams and external stakeholders. They should also be able to convey often highly technical and legal information in a way that is accessible to a wider audience.
We are looking for someone with a flair for innovative communications which will engage our staff and stakeholders.
We’re looking for someone who is enthusiastic, dependable, and able to turn around high-quality work, at sometimes short deadlines. The candidate should have excellent relationship management skills and is able to work with a range of stakeholders to help produce content and deliver projects.
You will be a talented, motivated, collaborative and creative communications professional who is keen to be a leading member of the team. You’ll have a flexible approach and a can-do attitude.
The person will:
- Support the Head of Communications and Law Commission teams in major communications announcements, including by drafting press releases, helping with media engagement and overseeing the publication process for any project documents.
- Deputise for the Head of Communications when necessary.
- Advise and brief senior leaders in the Law Commission on communication and media issues. This includes preparing Commissioners for media interviews.
- Identify the best channels and formats for communication and suggesting ideas to reach our target audiences.
- Identify, manage, and improve our social media channels
- Produce social media content and developing digital assets to drive engagement and increase followers.
- Respond to press and media queries, and draft quotes for the Commissioners.
- Draft content for the intranet including news stories and blogs and maintaining guidance for staff.
- Maintain the website, ensuring the information is clear, easy to understand and easy to find.
- Support the redesign and redevelopment of the website.
- Maintain the communications grid and coming up with ways to secure coverage of our projects outside of key media moments.
- Support project teams with the production of documents including consultation papers and reports.
Skills and Experience
Essential:
- Communications experience and background.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work autonomously and proactively under tight deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build confidence and trust both internally and externally.
- Ability to engage with, enthuse and inspire a diverse range of stakeholders and organisations
- Ability to use initiative and work with minimal supervision.
- Ability to prioritise workload with minimal supervision.
Desirable:
- Experience of working in a communications discipline, either in the Civil Service or private sector.
- Experience of working in media relations or press office.
- Experience and understanding of social media platforms
- Experience of the WordPress platform
- Knowledge of publishing software (eg Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Publisher)
Application process
You will be assessed against the Civil Service success profiles framework.
Experience
You will be asked to provide a CV during the application process in order to assess any demonstrable experience, career history and achievements that are relevant to the role.
You will also be asked to upload a Statement of Suitability of no more than 750 words stating what you would bring to the role, with reference to the Skills and Experience listed above.
Behaviours
During the application process you will be asked to provide an example of how you have met the following behaviour (see Annex A for more information):
- Communicating and Influencing (Lead Behaviour)
Please also refer to the Civil Service Behaviours framework for more details at this grade:
Should we receive a large number of applications, we will sift primarily on the lead behaviour of Communicating and Influencing. Successful applicants will then be invited to an interview, testing both behaviours and strengths.
Candidates invited to Interview
Please note that interviews will be carried out remotely.
During the panel interview, you will be asked to provide a short presentation (max 5 mins) outlining communication plan you would draft to support the publication of one of our final reports and recommendations. This should include consideration of press and stakeholder handling.
The interview will also ask behaviour-based questions to explore in detail what you are capable of for the following behaviours:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
- Making Effective Decisions
Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 15 April 2024
Contact information
Please do get in touch if you would like to know more about the role or what it is like working in our team. Contact michael.duncan@lawcommission.gov.uk
Annex A - The STAR method
Using the STAR method can help you give examples of relevant experience that you have. It allows you to set the scene, show what you did, and how you did it, and explain the overall outcome.
Situation - Describe the situation you found yourself in. You must describe a specific event or situation. Be sure to give enough detail for the job holder to understand.
- Where are you?
- Who was there with you?
- What had happened?
Task - The job holder will want to understand what you tried to achieve from the situation you found yourself in.
- What was the task that you had to complete and why?
- What did you have to achieve?
Actions - What did you do? The job holder will be looking for information on what you did, how you did it and why. Keep the focus on you. What specific steps did you take and what was your contribution? Remember to include how you did it, and the behaviours you used. Try to use “I” rather than “we” to explain your actions that lead to the result. Be careful not to take credit for something that you did not do.
Results - Don’t be shy about taking credit for your behaviour. Quote specific facts and figures. Explain how the outcome benefitted the organisation or your area. Make the outcomes easily understandable.
- What results did the actions produce?
- What did you achieve through your actions and did you meet your goals?
- Was it a successful outcome? If not, what did you learn from the experience?
Keep the situation and task parts brief. Concentrate on the action and the result. If the result was not entirely successful describe what you learned from this and what you would do differently next time. Make sure you focus on your strengths.
Working Arrangements & Further Information
The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.
For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre-employment checks.
Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.
MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade, will be able to retain their grade on lateral transfer.
All candidates who are currently in receipt of Mark Time / Pay Protection should ensure they are familiar with the new policy on permanent and temporary promotion which can be found on the employee intranet.
Flexible working hours
The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. MoJ welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ’s Flexible Working policy.
Benefits
The MoJ offers a range of benefits:
Annual Leave
Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.
There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.
Pension
The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.
Training
The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.
Networks
The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.
Eligibility
Staff on fixed term appointments must have been recruited through fair and open competition.
Support
- A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
- Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
- For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
- Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
- Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order
- To Shared Service Connected Ltd (0845 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com);
- To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team (resourcing-management-office@justice.gov.uk);
- To the Civil Service Commission (details available here)
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.
You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team.
For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please see our Disability Confident Scheme Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.
09/04/2024, 23:55 hours.
If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com Please quote the job reference - 85416.
Please do get in touch if you would like to know more about the role or what it is like working in our team. Contact michael.duncan@lawcommission.gov.uk
To apply for roles in MOJ you will need to confirm your employment history for at least 3 years prior to the date of application so that pre-employment checks (BPSS) can be undertaken. If you have spent significant time abroad (a total of 6 months in the past 3 years) you would be required to give a reasonable account of the reasons why.
For some roles you will be required to successfully complete National Security Vetting at Counter Terrorism (CTC), Security Clearance (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV) level as a condition of appointment. To meet CTC/SC/DV requirements you will normally need to have been resident in the UK for at least 3/5/10 years prior to the date of application (The level of checks that are required are stated in the advert).
If you do not meet the above requirements, you may still be considered if, for example:
- You've been serving overseas with HM Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of HM Government
- You were studying abroad
- You were living overseas with parents
In such cases you will need to be able to provide referee cover for the period(s) of residence overseas. The duration of overseas residence and the country of abode will also be taken into account.
Success Profiles will enable a fairer and more inclusive method of recruitment by enabling us to assess the range of experiences, abilities, strengths, behaviours and technical/professional skills required for different roles. This flexible approach to recruitment focuses more on finding the right candidate for the specific role. To find out more about Success Profiles to support your application please click here for further guidance.
We have provided detail of the assessment stages and areas being assessed to help you prepare for completing your application form, and to advise of what will be assessed following this, if you successfully pass the application stage.
Application form stage assessments
Interview stage assessments
A Great Place to Work for Veterans
The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces.
For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit : https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans
Redeployment Interview Scheme
Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ are committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.
MoJ are able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidate's will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
· UK nationals
· nationals of the Republic of Ireland
· nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
· nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
· nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
· individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
· Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules
This Vacancy is closed to applications.